Aquatic physical therapy combines specialized exercises and manual therapy techniques designed specifically for the pool. The buoyancy, support and accommodating resistance of water enhance the exercises and create a safe environment for progressive rehabilitation. The rehabilitative properties of water can also prompt muscle relaxation, facilitate stretches and reduce the sensation of pain.

Being able to swim is not a prerequisite. In fact, patients can fully participate in the program without even getting their hair wet.

Treatment sessions (conducted by physical therapist) are designed to improve circulation, strength and range of motion. Aquatic Therapy can also decrease tissue swelling, normalize muscle tone, protect the joints and reduce stress.
Typical problems and conditions that can be treated effectively with aquatic physical therapy include: long standing or acute injures of the spine (neck and low back) and extremities (shoulders, hips, knees and ankles), chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, neurological disorders and conditions limiting the body’s ability to easily weight bear.

Mobilization of the Nervous System

Just like muscles and joints, nerves require mobility. Nerves slide alongside muscles and fascia and can become restricted in response to an injury, infection or other trauma, such as prior surgery. Habitually poor postures can, over time, change mobility of the nervous system.

Developed in Australia and now practiced worldwide, neural tension techniques are now considered an important aspect of rehabilitation from injury. And many of the neural mobilizations can be taught as part of an ongoing home exercise program.

Neuropathies resulting from compression at the carpal or tarsal tunnels, thoracic outlet syndrome, sciatic symptoms, cervical nerve root compression and much more can benefit from these treatment techniques.

Orthopedic Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a broad clinical approach using hands on techniques that are skilled, specific and effective. The techniques are used to reduce pain, restore joint mobility, decrease inflammation, and regain appropriate muscle length and timing to stabilize the injured joints (neuromuscular control). Joint and spinal mobilization and manipulation are aspects of manual therapy as are techniques such as integrative manual therapy, visceral mobilization, crainiosacral therapy, myofascial release and strain-counterstrain.

Research has demonstrated that the application of manual therapy can significantly reduce pain and restore function quicker than non-manual approaches (exercises alone). Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy has therapists that are specialized in multiple areas of manual therapy and almost every session will have an aspect of hands on care.

Exercise Based Therapy
Exercise is the key to health and a central focus of physical therapy. Whether in need of a specific program to help you recover from injury or a generalized program to improve overall health, we will design a plan to meet your goals. You also will be provided instructions on performing your program in written or digital format (with video) CLICK HERE FOR AN EXAMPLE

Patients who exercise regularly can also benefit from a review and modification of their program to optimize results. Many patients are unsure of the type, frequency and duration of exercise appropriate for their condition. Which exercise will be most effective and safe?

Our therapists have training in a variety of sports and rehabilitation exercise protocols including the latest in lumbar stabilization and core strengthening, joint range of motion and strength training. We also have practitioners that utilize Pilates, yoga and aquatic therapy.

Crainiosacral Therapy

Craniosacral techniques are subtle but effective in helping to restore normal mobility of the spinal cord which, in turn, reduces muscle spasm, decreases pain and facilitates the return of normal daily activites.

By using a combination of specific manual traction and gentle pressure, craniosacral
therapy decreases neural compression. Releasing fascial restrictions in the tissues supporting the central nervous system enhances the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, which serves as the primary source of nourishment for the nervous system."

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the brain and pumped down the spinal canal nourishing the tissues of the brain and the central nervous system.

Trauma, infection, or chronic tension can restrict this flow, frequently resulting in headaches, TMJ dysfunction, tension in the nervous system, and back pain. Often, cranial imbalances are a result of fascial restrictions. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports anatomical structures. Think of it as plastic wrap supporting muscle, ligaments, nerves, organs and our skeletal system.

Taping
Over the past 20 years more and more therapists are applying tape to complement their treatment. Athletes have had tape applied for decades, but it is also effective at reducing pain and swelling and restoring functional joint mobility. Jenny McConnell, one of the innovators of taping techniques describes that taping the joint and restoring motion is like “training wheels on a bike.” Taping provides stability and feedback to the body while you train until it can restore its normal neuromuscular control.

At Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy we have therapists that have been trained and certified in Kinesiotaping and therapists that have studied the McConnell method. Many patients are surprised by the significant improvements in their pain, range of motion and function through the use of taping techniques.

Reiki

Practiced worldwide as a simple and profoundly relaxing form of bodywork, Reiki may be offered at Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy as an adjunct modality to aid in the body’s natural healing process.

Provided either before or after a Physical Therapy treatment, a short session of Reiki often helps reduce pain, relax the body and promote healing. Studies suggest this occurs by balancing the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic systems which helps decrease muscle tone, blood pressure, heart rate and overall stress levels. There is also evidence suggesting that Reiki can help balance the electromagnetic field surrounding the body.

Treatment consists of stationary hand placements with the intention to help balance the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components of the whole person. Reiki has no contraindications and can complement and enhance other healing modalities.

In this fast-paced life, Reiki is an invitation from us to you, to slow down, breathe, and listen to your own “inner physician.”